Springtime Fun
Camping
If your family loves the outdoors but the weather isn't quite warm enough to venture into the woods, create your own campground in the living room or basement. Push furniture against the wall and pitch a tent, complete with sleeping bags, pillows and flashlights. Set up a play tent nearby as a kids-only space. Turn off the lights and make shadow puppets on the wall with your fingers as you take turns telling spooky stories. To complete the mood, play an audio track of gentle forest noises.
Beach Party
Are the kiddos begging for a vacation on the water? Blow up beach balls, turn on a summertime playlist and have an indoor dance party. Invite family friends over to enjoy the “beach”, and serve lemonade, hot dogs and other warm-weather fare. If it’s sunny and warm outside, put on your swimsuits and turn on the sprinklers. Set out loungers and chairs for anyone that doesn’t want to get wet, and soak up the sunshine.
Summer Relaxation
Day Trip
Make the most of your kids’ summer vacation and take a day trip to a nearby town. Plan ahead to find local museums, landmarks or festivals you want to visit, and pack books and games to entertain kids in the car. Don’t go places you’ve been before—make the road trip exciting for parents and kids alike by exploring something new. Bring a picnic lunch along and eat at a park or beach, or enjoy food from local restaurants. After a long day of excitement, almost everyone will be asleep on the ride home.
Game Night
If it’s too hot for outdoor play, plan an indoor game night. Set a family-friendly board game on the coffee table in the basement or living room and have fun playing together. Teach older kids card tricks, or get creative with games like charades and pictionary. If your family enjoys logic puzzles, keep a chessboard or jigsaw puzzle on a nearby table. Let whoever wins pick the next game of the night.
Fall Festivities
Campfire
Gather the family ‘round the outdoor firepit on crisp fall evenings. Challenge the kids to see who can find the best stick for toasting marshmallows for s’mores, and don’t be surprised if they try roasting two or three at a time. Not a fan of marshmallows? Cut up firm pineapples and peaches and roast over the flames. If the stars are out, snuggle up with plush blankets and soft pillows, and tell stories about the mythology behind constellations or have kids come up with their own.
Movie Night
If it’s warm outside, a movie night on the patio or deck could be just the ticket. Set up your own outdoor movie theater by hanging a white sheet against the side of your house. Arrange outdoor sofas, chairs and sectionals around the makeshift drive-in screen and let everyone pick their favorite spot to sit. Project the film against the sheet, or enjoy a classic movie night indoors in the family room. Make one large batch of popcorn, then have each family member add toppings to customize their own bowl. Melt chocolate for dessert popcorn, and set out cayenne pepper and cumin for those who love spicy food. After the movie is over, go around and discuss everyone’s favorite part of the film.
Winter Merriment
Explore Locally
Make the most of everything winter has to offer in your town. Check out local holiday festivals and fairs, and go for miniature hikes in a forest near your home. Take the kids sledding or ice skating when it snows, and have fun sliding down hills or across the ice with them. Whatever your winter activity, bring along a hot drink and snacks to warm up the kids and provide a boost of energy.
Build an Igloo
After chilly snowball fights, get cozy in your own indoor “igloo”. Use sheets and rugs to build a fort, and line the floor with sheepskin blankets and soft pillows. Make hot drinks like tea and cocoa to warm everyone up. Hang string lights inside to create an atmosphere perfect for storytelling.
No matter the season, create memories you’ll treasure for years to come on your family’s next staycation. Leave chores and errands for later and plan ahead to make the most of your family’s time off. What are your favorite staycation ideas? Share them with us using the hashtag #CrateKidsStyle.